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Reducing vulnerability to climate change in sub-Saharan Africa: the need for better evidence

Abstract: Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has contributed the least of any world region to the global accumulation of greenhouse gas emissions; however, this region will probably be more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change than any other [1]. Less than 7% of the world’s total emissions of greenhouse gases emanate from the African continent [2]; thus the continent contributes very little overall to climate change. Yet the highest regional burden of climate change is likely to be borne by SSA, with 34% of the global disability adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to the effects of climate change in the region [3]. The impacts of climate change are likely to be concentrated in low-income countries where poor populations already have compromised heath prospects, health systems are weak, and where the capacity to adapt and address vulnerabilities is limited. However, to mount a proper response there are some fundamental constraints that need to be addressed, which we further discuss in this Essay.

Resource URL: http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1001374

Other: Climate and environmental justice/health equity Vulnerable populations